Pakistan’s new One Day International captain, Shaheen Afridi, has issued a rallying cry to his teammates as they prepare to host Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series. Fresh off a hard-fought 2-1 series win against South Africa, Afridi is keen for his side to translate that success into ongoing consistent performances. This recent victory provided a much-needed resurgence in Pakistan’s 50-over format fortunes.
Reflecting on his captaincy debut, Afridi praised his team’s unity and resilience. “It was my first series as ODI captain and I was really proud of the way the players responded to different situations and played as a unit. The energy, intent and teamwork were outstanding,” he remarked, highlighting the confidence gained from the South Africa series.
With the Sri Lanka series on the horizon, the primary objective is clear: maintain and build upon the established winning trajectory. “Our focus is to carry that winning momentum forward. We want to build consistency in our performances and make sure that we keep improving as a team in every department,” Afridi explained. He anticipates a tough challenge from Sri Lanka, noting their disciplined approach and skillful play, which will demand strategic execution and a positive mindset from Pakistan.
Furthermore, Afridi emphasized that success hinges on every player contributing and taking ownership. “All the players should take responsibility. It’s not Shaheen, Fakhar, Babar, or Saim’s job, we all should do our best,” he urged. The captain also stressed the importance of backing all squad members, fostering a culture of unwavering belief in the team’s collective ability to perform. The first match is scheduled for Rawalpindi.